The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders’ Show (IBS) are the ultimate destinations for discovering cutting-edge kitchen and home technology. This year’s event, held from February 25-27, 2025, in Las Vegas, showcased an array of exciting advancements in kitchen appliances that blend innovation with everyday practicality.
From seamless refrigerator designs to next-level cooking technology, here are seven standout appliance features that are redefining modern kitchens.
1. Removable & Customizable Accessories
🔹 Maximize Convenience & Storage
The trend of modular and removable accessories is transforming kitchen functionality. At KBIS 2025, several brands introduced built-in removable water pitchers, extra organizational bins, and even laundry baskets designed to fit storage drawers perfectly.
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Café’s smart refrigerators feature an AutoFill water pitcher that automatically refills when docked.
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Whirlpool’s four-door refrigerator offers Tupperware-style storage bins that fit snugly into a “Prep and Store” shelf.
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LG’s latest laundry pedestal storage drawers now include removable baskets for added convenience.
These adaptable features enhance efficiency and organization, making kitchens and laundry rooms more user-friendly.
📌 Pro Tip: Look for appliances with customizable storage options to streamline meal prep and maximize space.
2. Pop-Open Dishwasher Doors for Superior Drying
🔹 No More Damp Dishes!
Struggling with wet, spotted dishes? KBIS 2025 highlighted pop-open dishwasher doors as a growing trend in dishwashing technology.
Dishwashers equipped with automatic door release slightly open at the end of the wash cycle to let steam escape, improving drying efficiency.
✨ Notable Example: The Dacor AutoRelease dishwasher featured at the show boasts this feature, ensuring cleaner, drier dishes without extra energy consumption.
💡 Why It Matters: This small but impactful innovation prevents moisture buildup and minimizes the need for additional drying cycles, making dishwashing more energy-efficient.
3. Soft-Close Doors & Drawers for a Quieter Kitchen
🔹 Say Goodbye to Slamming Doors
Soft-close technology has long been a staple in cabinetry, but it's now becoming a must-have in appliances too. Several brands at KBIS 2025 showcased ovens, refrigerators, and even freezer drawers equipped with smooth-close mechanisms.
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JennAir’s 48-inch induction pro-style range includes a gentle-close oven door for added safety.
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ZLine’s new built-in refrigerators with graphite gray interiors also feature soft-closing fridge drawers.
🚀 Why You’ll Love It: Soft-close technology reduces wear and tear, prevents damage, and makes kitchens safer—especially for households with kids.
4. Fully Flush Hinges for a Sleek, Built-In Look
🔹 A Seamless Kitchen Aesthetic
Built-in refrigerators have always been a luxury kitchen staple, but they come with a hefty price tag. KBIS 2025 introduced an innovative middle-ground solution: counter-depth refrigerators with flush hinges for a seamless fit.
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LG’s new Counter-Depth Max refrigerators feature 45% thinner doors and Zero Clearance hinges that allow them to fully open with just 4mm of clearance.
🏆 KBIS Award-Winning Design: LG’s flush-hinge design was a finalist for the Best of IBS award in the kitchen and bath category, proving its industry impact.
🎯 Perfect For: Homeowners who want the built-in look without the built-in cost.
5. Hands-Free Autofill Water & Ice Dispensers
🔹 No More Waiting for Your Bottle to Fill
Filling up a large tumbler or pot can be time-consuming. KBIS 2025 introduced autofill water and ice dispensers that take the hassle out of hydration.
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Midea’s OneTouch AutoFill dispenser automatically detects the size of your cup (up to 10 inches tall and 40 ounces in capacity) and fills it precisely—no guesswork needed!
💧 Why This is a Game-Changer: Whether you're meal prepping, making coffee, or refilling your bottle on the go, this smart sensor technology saves time and prevents spills.
📌 Who Will Love It: Busy homeowners, parents, and anyone who loves a tech-savvy, hands-free kitchen experience.
6. Built-In Fridge Cameras for Smart Shopping
🔹 Check Your Groceries from Anywhere
Ever stood in the grocery store wondering if you have enough milk at home? KBIS 2025 highlighted built-in fridge cameras that let you check your fridge’s contents from your smartphone.
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Miele’s MasterCool refrigerators now include multiple cameras, even inside drawers, giving a complete view of stored items.
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Samsung’s Bespoke refrigerators also feature smart cameras, helping users reduce food waste by tracking expiration dates.
📱 How It Works: Simply open an app to see real-time images of your fridge, helping you shop smarter and waste less food.
💡 Why It’s Useful: Reducing unnecessary grocery purchases lowers food waste and energy consumption, making your home more eco-friendly.
7. Invisible Induction Cooktops for a Minimalist Kitchen
🔹 A Kitchen Revolution in the Making
What if your kitchen island doubled as a cooktop—without visible burners? At KBIS 2025, SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite) debuted an invisible induction cooktop that completely blends into the countertop.
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The hidden cooktop is seamlessly integrated into a kitchen island, featuring a pop-up downdraft ventilation system for a sleek, uncluttered look.
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Danver’s Cosmopolitan outdoor kitchen also showcased Invisacook induction technology, proving that this futuristic trend is already available for consumers.
🚀 Why It’s a Big Deal: This design maximizes counter space while maintaining the power and precision of induction cooking.
📌 Who Should Consider It: Homeowners looking for a high-tech, minimalist kitchen design with uninterrupted prep space.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Kitchen Innovation
KBIS & IBS 2025 showcased exciting advancements in appliance technology, making kitchens more efficient, stylish, and user-friendly. From smart storage solutions to high-tech cooking surfaces, these innovations are shaping the future of modern kitchens.
